Nehemiah 12:44 kjv
And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
Nehemiah 12:44 nkjv
And at the same time some were appointed over the rooms of the storehouse for the offerings, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites; for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who ministered.
Nehemiah 12:44 niv
At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites.
Nehemiah 12:44 esv
On that day men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered.
Nehemiah 12:44 nlt
On that day men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the offerings, the first part of the harvest, and the tithes. They were responsible to collect from the fields outside the towns the portions required by the Law for the priests and Levites. For all the people of Judah took joy in the priests and Levites and their work.
Nehemiah 12 44 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 18:21 | “Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel... | Levites inheritance and sustenance through tithes. |
| Num 18:26 | “Speak to the Levites... when you take from the children of Israel the tithes... | Levites themselves tithe a portion to the priests. |
| Deut 14:27-29 | “You shall not forsake the Levite... bring all your tithe... | Emphasizes the care for Levites, instructing them not to be forsaken. |
| Deut 18:1 | “The Levitical priests... shall have no part or inheritance with Israel... | Priests and Levites' reliance on offerings for livelihood. |
| Deut 18:5 | "For the LORD your God has chosen him and his sons... to minister..." | God chose Levites for specific ministry. |
| Neh 10:37-38 | "...bring the tithes of our ground to the Levites, for the Levites are to receive..." | People's covenant commitment to bringing tithes to the temple chambers. |
| Neh 13:10-11 | "And I perceived that the portions for the Levites had not been given them... | Historical context of past failure in supporting Levites, leading to their absence. |
| Mal 3:8-10 | “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me!... Bring all the tithes into the storehouse..." | God's command to bring all tithes to the "storehouse" to avoid being cursed. |
| Lev 23:10 | "When you come into the land which I give you... you shall bring a sheaf..." | Command for the offering of firstfruits. |
| Exod 23:19 | "The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring to the house..." | Command for the first of the firstfruits. |
| Prov 3:9-10 | "Honor the LORD with your possessions... so your barns will be filled..." | Principle of honoring God with one's wealth, leading to blessings. |
| 1 Kgs 6:5-6 | "...he built rooms all around the walls of the temple, surrounding..." | Mention of chambers built into the temple structure for storage. |
| 2 Chr 31:11-12 | Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in the house of the LORD... | King Hezekiah's reforms, establishing storehouses for contributions like Nehemiah. |
| 2 Chr 31:4 | He also commanded the people... to give the portions due to the priests..." | Royal decree ensuring priestly and Levite support. |
| Ezra 7:20 | "And whatever else is needed for the house of your God, which you may have..." | Example of temple needs being supported by contributions. |
| Phil 4:18-19 | "Indeed I have all and abound... Having received from Epaphroditus... supplying your need." | Principles of giving supporting ministry and God's faithfulness in return. |
| 1 Cor 9:13-14 | "Do you not know that those who minister the holy things... that those who preach the gospel..." | Principle that those who minister the things of God should live from the altar/gospel. |
| Gal 6:6 | "Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches." | Principle of supporting those who teach spiritual truth. |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly... for God loves a cheerful giver." | The importance of cheerful giving, paralleling Judah's joy. |
| Acts 4:34-35 | "Nor was there anyone among them who lacked... as many as were owners of lands..." | Early church example of voluntary contributions ensuring all needs are met. |
| Josh 1:8 | "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it..." | Emphasizes adherence to the Law as foundational for prosperity. |
Nehemiah 12 verses
Nehemiah 12 44 Meaning
Nehemiah 12:44 describes the structured administration established in Jerusalem for the sustained support of the priests and Levites, crucial for the functioning of the rebuilt Temple. It highlights that at a pivotal time of renewed commitment, specific individuals were appointed to manage the storehouses designated for all sacred contributions: the general treasures, the various freewill offerings and dedicated gifts, the mandatory firstfruits from harvests, and the obligatory tithes from agricultural produce. These offerings, legally stipulated by the Law of Moses, were to be collected from all inhabited fields of the cities across Judah. This system was joyfully embraced by the people of Judah because they were grateful for the faithful and diligent service of the priests and Levites who ministered among them.
Nehemiah 12 44 Context
Nehemiah chapter 12 details the grand dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem, marking a significant milestone in the post-exilic community's restoration. This act of spiritual and physical recommitment is followed by a re-establishment of the order for temple services, particularly the financial and material support system for the priests and Levites. Prior to verse 44, the chapter records the genealogical lists of priests and Levites, underscoring the lineage and rightful heirs to temple service. The immediately preceding verses (Neh 12:40-43) describe the elaborate celebration and rejoicing during the wall's dedication, which also included the people giving great sacrifices. Against this backdrop of joy and renewed spiritual fervor, verse 44 logically follows, instituting the practical mechanisms for sustaining this revival. The people had just renewed their covenant commitment to the Law (Neh 10:32-39), including promises to bring their offerings and tithes. Nehemiah 12:44 shows the implementation of these vows, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and personnel were in place for regular worship and the ongoing provision for those consecrated to divine service. This highlights the practical side of their faith and the deep historical responsibility the community had towards its spiritual leaders.
Nehemiah 12 44 Word analysis
- And at that time (וּבַיּוֹם הַהוּא, ūḇayyōwm hahū'): "That time" refers specifically to the period of renewal and rededication described in Nehemiah 12. It signifies a momentous occasion following significant spiritual commitment and celebration, indicating that these appointments were not incidental but a direct outcome of their covenant renewal and joyous worship. It sets the scene for a foundational change.
- men were appointed (הֻפְקְדוּ אֲנָשִׁים, hup̄qəḏū ’ănāšîm): The verb "appointed" is hup̄qəḏū, a Hophal stem verb meaning "to be entrusted," "to be put in charge." This passive voice suggests a formal, perhaps divinely ordained or authoritatively mandated, process of selection. "Men" (אֲנָשִׁים, ’ănāšîm) highlights the personal responsibility and trustworthiness required for managing sacred offerings.
- over the chambers (עַל־לִשְׁכּוֹת, ‘al-liškōwṯ): "Chambers" refers to storage rooms or treasuries within the Temple complex, specifically designed for receiving and safeguarding offerings. This denotes an organized and centralized system for sacred wealth management.
- for the treasures (לָאוֹצָרוֹת, lā’ōṣārōwṯ): Refers to the general stored wealth or consecrated articles for the Temple. These are funds or goods beyond regular contributions, perhaps for special projects or the general upkeep of the sanctuary.
- for the contributions (לַתְּרוּמוֹת, lattərūmōwṯ): From tərûmâ, meaning "heave offering" or "contribution." These were typically voluntary gifts lifted up to God, distinct from mandatory tithes. It highlights a range of offerings, both obligatory and freewill.
- for the firstfruits (לַבִּכּוּרִים, labikkūrîm): Refers to the initial yield of agricultural produce, required by Mosaic Law (e.g., Exod 23:19) as an acknowledgment that God is the provider and owner of the land. This practice reinforced Israel's dependence on God's bounty.
- and for the tithes (וְלַמַּעֲשְׂרוֹת, wəlamma‘ăśərōṯ): "Tithes" (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma‘aser) refers to a tenth part of agricultural produce or livestock, legally required for the support of the Levites and priests (Num 18:21-28). It signifies financial accountability to God's ordained system.
- to gather into them (לֶאֱסֹף בָּהֶם, le’ĕsōf bāhem): The purpose of the appointment was collection, to bring in what was due. It indicates an active process of aggregation into the designated storehouses.
- from the fields of the cities (מִשְּׂדֵי הֶעָרִים, miśśəḏê he‘ārîm): This specifies the origin of the offerings – from the land and agricultural productivity, indicating that the system encompassed the entirety of the community's economic activity across Judah.
- the portions required by the law (מְנָאוֹת הַתּוֹרָה, mənā’ōwṯ hattōwrāh): "Portions" (מְנָאָה, menā’āh) signifies specified allotments or shares. The direct reference to "the Law" (Tôrāh) emphasizes that this was not a novel system but a reinstatement of Mosaic statutes, particularly concerning the support of the Levites and priests. This underscores adherence to God's divine command.
- for the priests and Levites (לַכֹּהֲנִים וְלַלְוִיִּם, lakōhănîm wəlalləwiyyim): The designated beneficiaries. Their livelihood was entirely dependent on these contributions, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without needing to engage in secular labor.
- for Judah rejoiced over (כִּי שְׂמֵחָה יְהוּדָה עַל, kî śəmêḥāh Yəhūḏāh ‘al): "Rejoiced" (שָׂמֵחַ, śāmeach) is a powerful expression of gladness, often linked to spiritual experiences and God's blessings in Nehemiah. This indicates willing participation and positive affirmation from the people, not a begrudging duty. It contrasts with past neglect.
- the priests and Levites who ministered (הַכֹּהֲנִים וְעַל־הַלְוִיִּם הָעֹמְדִים, hakkōhănîm wə‘al-halləwiyyim hā‘ōməḏîm): "Who ministered" or "who stood" (hā‘ōməḏîm). This describes active, present, and faithful service. The people's joy was a direct result of seeing these religious leaders actively and reliably fulfilling their sacred functions, leading worship, and teaching the Law. This highlights a symbiotic relationship: faithful giving supported faithful ministry, and faithful ministry encouraged faithful giving.
Nehemiah 12 44 Bonus section
The specific naming of "chambers," "treasures," "contributions," "firstfruits," and "tithes" indicates a highly detailed and segmented accounting system for the temple's resources. This administrative precision reflects Nehemiah's concern for order, transparency, and the prevention of the mismanagement and neglect that had previously plagued the Temple system (as seen in Ezra 8:24-30, and specifically in Nehemiah 13 where later on, lack of these same provisions forces Levites to abandon their posts). The people's "joy" signifies a spiritual maturity and understanding that supporting the ministry was an act of worship and partnership with God, directly contributing to their own spiritual well-being through access to consecrated services and religious instruction. This verse, therefore, represents not just a historical accounting of contributions, but a foundational principle of mutual faithfulness between the people and their spiritual leaders under God's covenant.
Nehemiah 12 44 Commentary
Nehemiah 12:44 succinctly captures a pivotal moment of practical spiritual revival and governmental restoration within post-exilic Judah. Following the emotional dedication of the wall and renewed covenant promises, this verse establishes the functional means to sustain true worship and ministry. It highlights a vital administrative system, the "chambers" for storing dedicated offerings, and the diligent appointment of overseers for managing "treasures, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes." These distinct categories underscore the comprehensive nature of the Mosaic Law concerning communal support for the clergy. The system ensures the "portions required by the law" are meticulously collected "from the fields of the cities," directly linking the people's agricultural livelihood to the Temple's sustenance. Critically, the verse emphasizes that "Judah rejoiced." This joy was not forced, but flowed from the recognition that their financial commitment enabled the "priests and Levites who ministered" to perform their sacred duties faithfully. It demonstrates a reciprocal relationship: when the spiritual leaders diligently served, the people gladly supported them. This passage serves as a powerful biblical precedent for the cheerful and systematic support of those dedicated to full-time spiritual service, grounding it in obedience to God's law and an appreciative recognition of faithful ministry.